Ignorance is a prerequisite for Islam's spread, with the authority of scripture (Koran and Hadith) taking precedence over science, philosophy, commonsense and rational argument.

Islam also shows great attachment to itself, being self-referential and intensely memetic.

For evil to flourish...
Of course we can remain in a state of dhimmitude and refrain from criticising Islam for fear of being accused of Islamophobia or being physically attacked, in which case, like some spiritual Gresham's law, the bad will drive out the good, and all beneficial spiritual paths will be wiped out. Alternatively, we can shine the light of reason and Buddhist psychological insight on this venomous mind virus.

As Buddha said:"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”

As Jesus said:“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them."

Dear writer I am a Muslim women, a scientist and a free thinker. I have been trying to study Buddhism because I know what it is. Buddha never said he was God nor we should see him as one.To me he is a great philosopher with a message to the human kind.such as Jesus and My beloved prophetMohammad. All religions are beautiful at heart. And they are ment to guide us to A God. A great power that created this universe and who we are. we are ment to find peace and share it with others. Buddha tought me to have no ego and to cause no sufferings to others. Mohammad told me the same.three problems with the presented Islam today:1- Media is manipulating islam true image.2- Power egoistic seekers are using and manipulating masses of Muslims in their own personal power game ( not jihad its just a big fat lie )3- True teachings of our prophet has been misinterpreted or forgotten or misused.

Mohammad , Jesus and Buddha all wanted a better place for human kind yet we use their names in the fight of ego and materialistic power. It is one Earth , One God.

Plus the list you have providedis not truthful. You as well as many should understand that there is a huge difference between arabic culture ( Ancient mind-set before Islam ) and Islam ( born to change that mind-set and enlighten humanity)

If you think that way about Islam then you have not truly known the real Islam. But the Arabic ancient closed minded culture and the media version of Islam coupled with the manipulated masses.

Im a Muslim, I have no hate to others who worship different Gods. And I love the teachings of Buddha and consider him a great philosopher.

I hope people read my comment so they know there are many Muslims who truly seek peace and a better Earth.

I think you have too much time on your hands mate... if you're going to talk about religion you need to see it aligned with politics.. many Muslims across the globe are fighting against those whom have invaded their countries for THEIR oil or power or land.... the way you are using the point of the Prophet Mohammad marrying Aisha at a young age is actually a joke.. because the legal consent for sexual relations varies massively throughout the West.. let alone other countries.. in Portugal and Italy it is 14 but other countries Such as the UK it is 16.. so a 14 year old is committing a crime in the UK but not in Italy or Portugal. . There is also the point that people have changed a lot over the centuries and ladies matured earlier and began puberty earlier than now. In fact my mother got married when she was 16 and that was very normal and she was mature enough... so this argument is without any sound grounding.. just a ploy to make the Prophet Mohammad look bad...

I think you should look into the history of some of the countries where Muslims are fighting against the West and see their point of view... however I'm not condoning murder or terrorism... but that there is always two sides to a story... if everyone just tried to better themselves instead of using all their efforts to create hatred in others hearts.. the worldwould be a better place!!!!

@ basIn earlier times when life expectancy was shorter it was normal for teens to marry each other. However it has never been normal for an elderly man to marry a child young enough to be his granddaughter.